The agricultural community is facing several regulatory issues, reports Agri-Pulse, a Washington newsletter. The Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to define "waters of the U.S." was met with opposition from Republicans and even some Senate Democrats. President Obama was acting in a "dictatorial manner . . . trying to usurp the power that the Constitution gives to people," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said, "The EPA proposal poses a serious threat to farmers, ranchers and other landowners. Under EPA's proposed new rule, waters—even ditches—are regulated even if they are miles from the nearest 'navigable' waters." He said that the new law is essentially "federal veto power over a farmer's ability to farm." Though an EPA spokesperson did not respond to questions regarding agricultural exemptions, the agency is expected provide additional informational information soon.
Also causing concern is the Endangered Species Act, which prevented Joe Hopkins, an Oregon tree farmer, from harvesting wood after a forest fire on his farm because the area contained red-cockaded woodpeckers, which are considered an endangered species, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hopkins lost the opportunity to make between $250,000 and $300,000. He said that he is concerned that the ESA has "'draconian one-size-fits-all approach'" that is being used 'as a powerful tool in the hands of those who would halt land management activities."
Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., said, "It's clear that the ESA is no longer an act to help the survival of species; it's meant to shut down forestry." He said ESA should be reformed and return to its original goal of maintaining diverse species, reports Agri-Pulse, which is a subscription publication but offers a free trial.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said, "The EPA proposal poses a serious threat to farmers, ranchers and other landowners. Under EPA's proposed new rule, waters—even ditches—are regulated even if they are miles from the nearest 'navigable' waters." He said that the new law is essentially "federal veto power over a farmer's ability to farm." Though an EPA spokesperson did not respond to questions regarding agricultural exemptions, the agency is expected provide additional informational information soon.
Also causing concern is the Endangered Species Act, which prevented Joe Hopkins, an Oregon tree farmer, from harvesting wood after a forest fire on his farm because the area contained red-cockaded woodpeckers, which are considered an endangered species, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hopkins lost the opportunity to make between $250,000 and $300,000. He said that he is concerned that the ESA has "'draconian one-size-fits-all approach'" that is being used 'as a powerful tool in the hands of those who would halt land management activities."
Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., said, "It's clear that the ESA is no longer an act to help the survival of species; it's meant to shut down forestry." He said ESA should be reformed and return to its original goal of maintaining diverse species, reports Agri-Pulse, which is a subscription publication but offers a free trial.
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